999 now available in English

The national emergency service number 999 has started providing services in English to foreign nationals in Bangladesh. Foreign nationals can call this service from mobile or landline phones.

This information was given in a press release signed by Additional DIG Mohammad Tabarak Ullah, head of the National Emergency Service Number 999, on Thursday (February 13).

The press release said that various diplomatic missions working in Bangladesh, various UN agencies and various development cooperation organizations, domestic or foreign citizens and foreign tourists living or traveling in Bangladesh can now call 999 in English using the 'SIM' or landline phones of Bangladeshi mobile operators and receive emergency police, fire service and ambulance services. On the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), necessary measures have been taken to ensure emergency services to foreign nationals.

It was further said that this service was launched from January 12. A sufficient number of dedicated duty desks have been allocated in three duty shifts per day to assist English-speaking emergency service seekers. After dialing 999, press 2 to access service in English.